An international study led by the University of Bonn has discovered the vital role of the root system in the successful growth of maize in various environmental conditions. By analyzing over 9,000 varieties of maize, researchers found that the root systems of these plants varied significantly depending on the dryness of the location where they were cultivated. They also identified a key gene, ZmHb77, that plays a crucial role in the plant’s ability to adapt to different climates. This finding could lead to the development of maize varieties that are more resilient to climate change, helping to ensure future food security.
Maize, the domesticated form of the wild plant teosinte, has been cultivated for over 9,000 years by farmers in southwest Mexico. Through selective breeding, modern maize crops have evolved to have larger, more productive cobs. However, little was known about how the root system of maize plants developed during this domestication process. By studying both maize and teosinte varieties, researchers were able to track the evolution of the plant’s root structure over time. They found that maize varieties that have adapted to dry conditions tend to grow fewer seminal roots and more lateral roots, which are crucial for water uptake.
Through the study, researchers identified over 160 candidate genes that are responsible for root growth in maize plants. One gene in particular, ZmHb77, was found to play a significant role in determining the ratio of seminal to lateral roots in plants. By manipulating this gene, researchers were able to alter the root structure of maize plants to help them better cope with periods of drought. This gene could be key in breeding drought-tolerant maize varieties that are essential for future food production in the face of climate change.
The research was conducted through a collaboration of 20 different research groups from institutions around the world, including the University of Bonn, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, and many others. By studying maize varieties from different regions and analyzing the genetic makeup of the plants, the researchers were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of how root development is influenced by environmental conditions. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges such as food security in the era of climate change.
The findings of this study have important implications for agriculture and food security in a changing climate. Developing maize varieties that are better adapted to drought conditions will be crucial for ensuring stable crop yields in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. By understanding the genetic basis of root development in maize plants, researchers have identified a key gene that could help breeders create more resilient varieties. This research was funded by various organizations, including the German Research Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing complex global challenges.